Cross body bags (or sling and messenger bags as I know them) used to be my favourite type of bag five to eight years ago. I loved this look because it was hip and hands free. But out of the blue, carrying a bag across my body started causing neck, chest and shoulder pain. I stopped cold turkey, passed on most of my sling bags and have hardly sported the look since. But I got all soft at the Macy’s sale last week when I saw something that had my name written all over it. I was prepared to give the look another chance. Enter my next Spring update: a cream cross body bag. Along with my other new off-white bag, this is my favorite of all the Spring updates thus far. I’m a bag lady at heart.

My previous cross body bags were quite large, and even though I keep the contents of my bag to a minimum, a big cross body bag does not work for me anymore. To my surprise, the smaller style works really well. I’ve worn the new micro version several times and no pain. I can hardly feel it’s on my body. I’m thoroughly enjoying the return of this handbag style to my ensembles. Along with wristlets, it’s made a nice change to the large flat totes that I sport daily.

Click here or on the pictures for a larger view of the outfits.

There are many variations on the cross body bag: large and small, plain and printed, casual and dressy or boho and classic – take your pick. This one errs on the dressy side, but even so, the integrity of the look is relaxed and modern. I can match up this particular style with both pants, leggings and frocks because it’s small, whereas large cross body bags seem to lend themselves better to pants, slacks and jeans.

A cross body bag of any size is an especially good idea for commuters on foot, and mums-on-the-go with kids in tow. It’s also a handy option for city travel, day trips and long shopping days. Zappos, Fossil, Nordstrom and Macy’s have great selections of cross body bags at the moment, which you’ll probably nab for a song. Mine was marked down from $129 to $42. Brilliant.

Other Spring 2009 accessory updates:

• Scarf and handbag
• Casual necklace
• Fun floral belt
• Floral pin
• Turquoise scarf

I love accessories with floral motifs and there are plenty to choose from this season. Fabulous. Enter my next Spring update: a floral pin. Unlike my other Spring updates, I’ll sport it all year round. Even more economical.

Floral pins come in many different fabrications, sizes and styles: realistic or abstract, solid or patterned, large or small – take your pick. I like abstract floral pins made of silk or feathers the best. I guess it’s the modern-retro aspect of my style that finds those ones appealing. The versions that look more like actual flowers are sweet too, especially when creating a nice contrast with an androgynous outfit.

About five years ago I was wearing floral pins all the time, but stopped when the look was everywhere. Spotting the perfect black and white polka dot floral pin at Club Monaco rekindled my interest. So much so that it has given new life to the older floral pins in my accessory box.

I like the way floral pins add an arty and whimsical feeling to any outfit. And if you thought that there was only one way to sport them, think again. You have several options as you can see from my outfits above (by no means an exhaustive list). The obvious idea is to pin the trinket to a jacket or cardigan, but don’t forget about dresses, blouses, knitted tops, tunics, knitwear, button-downs and waistcoats. Also think about attaching the floral pin to another accessory, like a necklace, scarf, handbag or belt. Plenty of possibilities!

It can be nice to give a floral pin a permanent home, like keeping it on one particular jacket or coat all season. I have a black feathered floral pin that stays put on a black dress. After spending a pretty penny on this timeless sequined flapper frock, it’s the $9 feathered floral pin that gives it the perfect edge. Never underestimate the power of an inexpensive accessory.

Scarves can look dowdy and uniform-like. The trick is to add a bit of edge to your look when sporting a scarf, and the knot is one way to do this. I often tie my scarf using a knot that I arrived at after ages of fiddling in front of the mirror one day. I call it the “Angie Knot”, but if it has a real name please let me know – I’m sure I’m not the first to use it.

I generally stay away from skinny oblong scarves and neckerchiefs because the shapes don’t offer enough volume and texture. My favourite scarf dimensions are 40 by 66 inches for a pashmina sized scarf, 23 by 60 inches for a large oblong scarf, and 34 by 34 inches for a large square scarf. Anything longer than 60 inches is usually too long unless you’re very tall. On the other hand, if you’re petite, you’re after a shorter scarf between 40 and 50 inches long. These are a little harder to find and you might need to hem the length.

Follow these steps to tie the Angie Knot:

1. Roll a large square scarf into a long worm, or scrunch up a rectangular scarf so that it resembles a worm. Place the scarf around the neck so that the side that does all the work hangs longer than the other side. You can also skew the scarf so that the hems are uneven. This will give you this waterfall effect. Fold right over left and pull that same right end back under the end that’s hanging in front of your body.
2. Take that same right end and loop it through the part of the scarf that’s around your neck and ABOVE the knot.
3. Pull down that right end and use the knot as a pulley to pull the knot vertically so that the knot looks tight, neat and appealing. This is the most important part, so fiddle till you get it right.
4. Lay both ends flat across the body, making sure that the ends are more or less even. Voila!

This style of knot works well with all sorts of fabrications, from wool, satin and rayon, to silk, viscose and cotton. The scarf stays put once it’s tied and is interesting to look at. Wear the scarf “cravat style” for a strict, professional and authoritative look, or wear it loosely on the décolletage for an arty and playful vibe. I sport both looks depending on my mood and the weather. With the warm Spring weather, I’ll be tying my cotton and silk scarf with a loose knot.

For a strict, authoritative look, roll a smaller scarf neatly before tying the knot, tie the knot close to the neck, and tuck the ends under your blouse or button down afterwards.

So far so good. My inexpensive accessory splurge has made it easy to resist the temptation of purchasing clothing. Instead I have purchased an off-white tote, a yellow spring scarf, a casual necklace, and a turquoise belt with floral detail. Today I am adding a second Spring scarf into the mix.

I get bored of wearing the same types of items in the same ensemble combination day after day. So I switch out the style of my bottoms and tops frequently. For example: in one week I’ll go from wearing jeans and skirts with boots, to sporting frocks and pants with pumps. Mixing it up, plus the addition of a new accessory helps me feel fashionably recharged.

Most tops can accommodate a Spring scarf (if the top has a shirt collar, be sure to wear it inside the collar to avoid looking dowdy). Add to that a variety of scarf shapes, patterns and colours, and the possibilities are endless. A different scarf tied in a different way conveys a totally different mood: from arty and playful, to strict and authoritative. Take your pick.

It’s usually a choice of scarf OR chunky necklace, but I’m wearing both in the bottom two photographs. In these instances the ensemble works because I’m wearing a single layer of clothing and no earrings. If I’d added a necklace to the top two outfits, I’d have lost that clean-cut look. The visual interest of the layering plus the scarf provides ample texture. No necklace required.

The cool, crisp and lightweight integrity of a silk, viscose, rayon or cotton-rich Spring scarf gives it a long lifespan. So don’t restrict this accessory to cold Spring days when it can be comfortably sported over sleeveless tops as temperatures start to rise. Even in hot weather the scarf could be a useful addition in chilly air-conditioned environments.

I bought this scarf from Macy’s and, coincidentally, their online store is running promotions on many of their scarves.

Today is the third installment in my quest to hold out as long as possible with my existing Spring wardrobe, only indulging myself with new accessories that liven up my wardrobe and lift my spirits (refresh your memory with the first two installments here and here).

I’m not particularly partial to florals on fabric unless they’re abstract patterns, but I love floral motifs on accessories. So my heart skipped a beat when I saw this turquoise belt. It was the perfect way to add this season’s it colour to my wardrobe without breaking the bank.

I’m amazed at the versatility of this belt. It works well over last season’s knitwear, blouses and dresses, and it’s going to work equally well over old jackets, knitted tops and basic button downs. I could easily wear this belt with different outfits every day for two consecutive weeks without feeling bored.

I love turquoise with white, yellow, green and red, but can’t help reliving my 80’s memories by wearing it with bright pink. With my current frames the turquoise belt picks up the turquoise on the inside of my specs. I love that. It’s an interesting, subtle detail that will make me want to wear this belt more frequently.

This belt is bold, so in most instances I don’t wear it with other accessories that make a big statement. Only my watch, wedding band, specs and handbag. My chunky pearls work when I incorporate a plain white shirt or blouse, but that’s it. I don’t want to look like Christmas tree.

Belts are not for everyone and the ornate integrity of this style might rule it out for you. But I love them and this one is true to my individual style. It’s modern, retro, trendy, professional and fun at the same time. If you’re a belt wearer, adding a new belt each season is a cost effective way to look and feel fashionably refreshed.

I got particularly lucky with the price of this surprisingly well made belt. One would expect an accessory in this price range to look cheap and nasty, but it doesn’t. It’s virtually an exact copy of the belt styles Anne Fontaine had in her collection last Spring, which cost $300 a pop. Mine cost $34. Fabulous. It passes quality AND budget control.

After wearing neck-covering knitwear with long chunky necklaces in Winter, I’m ready for lower necklines and short necklaces. It’s refreshing to show some skin for a change and wearing lower necklines instantly sparks off my urge to purchase a fresh set of short chunky beads or eye-catching pendants. Enter Spring update #3 (I described #1 and #2 earlier this week).

I normally wear necklaces that incorporate some form of pearl, but occasionally I step out and sport a pearl-less piece that feels just as fab. This dear little arty glass pendant is a fun addition to my wardrobe. I smiled as soon as I saw it because it mirrors my Spring mood. I replaced its original cheap silver chain with a leather cord to give it a more modern, graphic appeal.

The fun, informal edge of this playful accessory makes my old clothes blossom. At a price point of $15, it’s amazing how it has refreshed my existing smart casual and casual ensembles. Mums-on-the-go I hope you’re listening. An interesting pendant looped through a leather cord is an unfussy addition, but adds an excellent textural dimension to a simple, casual outfit.

Apart from the new necklace, everything I’m wearing is between one and six seasons old (handbags included). I hope that this inspires you to start building your accessory collection. And once you start, remember to actually wear the accessories that you’ve purchased!

At the start of each new retail season I update my wardrobe with accessories before I purchase clothing. Accessories make a simple, bold statement that can make boring old clothes from seasons past feel fresh and updated. With the right accessory you can capture a new trend at the fraction of of the cost of the full ensemble.

So I kicked off the Spring season by purchasing two items that have been on my shopping list for years: a yellow and white, smart casual, Spring scarf, and an off-white, non-patent handbag. I managed to find them both this year and I’m thrilled with how they’ve vividly integrated and updated my wardrobe.

The scarf is made of a soft, viscose-linen blend and is just the right shape. I like to wear this type of scarf inside the collar of a button-down shirt, or over a knitted top. I tie a Spring scarf once, loosely around my neck, so that the ends look long and streamlined down the front of my body.

You’re after a lightweight scarf in a crisp fabric and cheerful colour to signal that Spring is in the air. Woolly scarves seem too Wintery. Don’t be put off if my particular scarf is not to your taste, because they come in all shapes, sizes, colours and price points. Old Navy and Target are selling Spring scarves for $12 at the moment.

The second item, a perfect off-white tote complete with Chanel-esque bow, was a lucky find at the right price point. I bought it a few weeks ago when we were in New York City and carried it to my NBC Today Show interview. Like my white watch, the new bag magically transforms my transitional look to clean, crisp and modern. It’s wildly versatile and I have to stop myself from wearing it with everything.

During this recession I’m on more of a mission than ever to take advantage of the power of accessories. I plan to hold out as long as possible with my existing Spring wardrobe, only indulging myself occasionally with a new accessory that livens up my wardrobe and lifts my spirits. It’s going to be an interesting challenge and I’ll keep you posted. Let’s save some money!

My look always feels instantly refreshed with the addition of a new handbag, necklace or pair of shoes, which is why the accessory and footwear departments are the first area I visit as the new retail season unfolds. I seldom come home with new footwear because finding fab shoes is a tall order, but I usually do come home with other accessories.

I was particularly excited last week when I purchased two pieces that were out of my comfort zone and new for my style and wardrobe.

• Bracelet: I have never, ever worn a bracelet before last week. I like the look of statement bracelets, cuffs and bangles on others, but steered away from the look myself because I thought that the chunky styles I preferred would be too heavy and wouldn’t work on my dainty wrists. I also worried that they would get in the way when I worked. I was wrong. Now that I’ve found the perfect bracelet, I can’t stop wearing it. I was instantly attracted to this style because it reminded me of a necklace that I love. My new Chanel-esque bracelet is as light as a feather, fits well and adds textural interest to my outfits. Love it.
• Wristlet: This style of bag never appealed to me because I didn’t want to dangle something from my sensitive wrists or clutch it in my hand. But the colours of this wristlet launched me into orbit and forced me to give it a bash. To my surprise, it worked. It helps that it’s roomy and that I keep the contents of my handbag to a minimum. At first I thought I’d sport a wristlet at night only, but it’s coming out on work days and I’ve been comfortable wearing it. It’s not cumbersome and my wrists feel fine, even with the bracelet.

It’s the same story ladies. You’ll never know whether something will work until you actually try it . You change and items change. Wristlets and chunky bracelets are by no means new, but they are completely new for me. I’m excited to give my flat totes and necklaces a break for a while in favour of these items. They have successfully popped my existing clothes into the next season. I feel fashionably recharged.

My new bracelet was cheap as chips. I found it on sale at Macys for $20 whilst shopping with a client who bought one too. The green snakeskin wristlet was on sale at Club Monaco with an additional 30% off for the day. Wins for both my style and my pocket.

There was a time when matching a handbag to your shoes was the no-brainier stylish thing to do. But fashion and style have evolved and this is no longer always the case. Some fashion gurus will go as far as saying that it’s become unstylish to match your bag and shoes.

I wouldn’t go that far. Most of us wear black or brown shoes and matching them with a black or brown bag is not a fashion faux pas. It might be the classic and predictable choice, but it’s by no means unstylish. I also think that the matching thing works with non-neutral colours, like wearing a cobalt bag with cobalt shoes. As long as you stick to wearing only two items in the same colour in one outfit, you’ll be fine (neutrals, excluded).

Aesthetically I prefer a mismatched look for myself, but matching the colour of handbags to shoes is still fab in my book. You’ll always look polished and put together.

Mismatch (left): These outfits show how mismatching the colour of your shoes and handbags works. Most of us have probably tried this look and are pretty used to it. It might even be a look that you prefer.

Match (right): These outfits show how matching peds with purses works just as well. The overall effect is less eye- catching, but certainly just as stylish.

You guessed it. Another bit of 80’s flair that’s made a comeback. The double-wrap skinny belt brings back fond memories of having plastic studded versions in cobalt, red and white 25 years ago. I loved the look back then and I’m all for it again right now.

You can wrap the belt high or low around the waist depending on your preference. I like how it adds an interesting layering and textural dimension to an outfit and it’s certainly helped my old knitwear feel like new. The double wrap belt works well over shirts, knitted tops and dresses too. It is more comfortable than the single wrap skinny belt because it slouches more loosely around the body.

I recently purchased a skinny black studded style from Express, which was inexpensive by the time I had used a discount coupon. It didn’t fit so I first cut five inches off the end of the belt and then did my usual make-it-fit trick. I’m pleased with the outcome. The year is young, but the double-wrap belt is my favourite accessory of 2009.

Double-wrap belts are available in a range of price points (from Forever 21 to Bloomingdales). They work quite well on short-waisted women when worn a little lower down on the waist than shown in these pictures.